Disneyland Newbie - HELP EXPERTS

[ahill004]

We have been to DW many times but never to disneyland. Can some of you experts PLEASE help me out!!!

We are planning a southern california trip to San Diego and Disneyland. We plan t hit Sea World, Legoland and Disneyland during the trip. I don't know anything about disneyland or california adventure park. Are they both worth a visit? Where should we stay? Onsite? (we would be there a couple days). Is there anything to see between san diego and disneyland since we would drive from one to the other. Are the crowds insane during the summer? We are used to Sept. disneyworld crowds (or lack thereof).

PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[HydroGuy]

We have been to DW many times but never to disneyland. Can some of you experts PLEASE help me out!!!

We are planning a southern california trip to San Diego and Disneyland. We plan t hit Sea World, Legoland and Disneyland during the trip. I don't know anything about disneyland or california adventure park. Are they both worth a visit? Where should we stay? Onsite? (we would be there a couple days). Is there anything to see between san diego and disneyland since we would drive from one to the other. Are the crowds insane during the summer? We are used to Sept. disneyworld crowds (or lack thereof).

PLEASE HELP!!!

Uhh, yes, no, no, yes, no. Wait, that is no, no, yes, yes, no. Sorry, make that...

Yes it is worth visiting both DL and DCA.

At DLR stay within walking distance. See HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Crowds are busy in the summer but not insane. The good thing about DLR is that it is easier to work around crowds than at WDW - especially if you stay walking distance. See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Be careful about June and late August - see "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983. Better to go in July or early August.

Lots of stuff to do in SoCal. Legoland is between DLR and SD if that is your thing (it is not mine). Plus lots of beaches if that is your thing (it is mine ).

And check these links for more info:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Uhh, yes, no, no, yes, no. Wait, that is no, no, yes, yes, no. Sorry, make that...

Yes it is worth visiting both DL and DCA.

At DLR stay within walking distance. See HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

Crowds are busy in the summer but not insane. The good thing about DLR is that it is easier to work around crowds than at WDW - especially if you stay walking distance. See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

Be careful about June and late August - see "Understanding AP Blockouts and Impact on Crowds" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983. Better to go in July or early August.

Lots of stuff to do in SoCal. Legoland is between DLR and SD if that is your thing (it is not mine). Plus lots of beaches if that is your thing (it is mine ).

And check these links for more info:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here!

Only to the first statment!

 

[Hound 109]

From HG's post above.....Read this one first:

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599


Then read the rest of Hydroguy's tip threads.

 

[chrissiecutie]

I've been going to Disneyland for over 25 years now and I have some very definate ideas on what works and what doesn't.

1st- avoid Dland during the summer months. No exceptions! You will be miserable, I guarantee it.

The crowds and lines are crazy and the heat is awful. Dland was built on a smaller scale then WDW and the pathways just getting to and from each land becomes a major hassle. And forget about actually going from point A to point B during a parade or Fantasmic especially if you have someone in a stroller or wheelchair. No one cares or moves out of your way. It's like a herd of cattle with no one moving! Trust me!

2nd- while the onsite hotels are nice, they are not worth it (IMO). There's several "good neighbor" or offisite hotels that are within the same walking distance and cost a buttload less. It's just not set up the same as WDW and there's no real additional benefits to staying at one of the 3 onsite properties. Unless of course you like spending alot of extra money to stay in a room you will hardly be in except to sleep and maybe, swim. I would try the HOJO if you have kids or something more modern, like the Annabella if it's a grown up trip.

3rd- Dland and DCA are both worth a trip. Depends on who's in your group and what your priorities are. As a family with a small child, DCA is 1/2 day at the most. The food options aren't as plentiful for a picky 5yr old, less benches and outdoor sitting areas, more walking in between attractions, not as well themed and my young child can't ride many of the big ticket attractions at DCA. However, DCA does have the Electrical Parade, which is MUST see IMO.

I was there the first year DCA opened and it has come a LONG way- however it still falls short of the magic found at the original Dland. It's a cute distraction but if you only have 1 or 2 days, I wouldn't plan on spending much time here.

Have fun!

 

[Huff]

Disneyland and California Adventure are definatly worth seeing! While there are only two parks vs. WDW's 4, Disney packs a lot into two parks. There are many more rides and attractions at Disneyland than at the Magic Kingdom. Theming and attention to detail is better at Disneyland especially notable in Fantasyland.

I disagree with the earlier comment about California Adventure. We often spend more time there than Disneyland. It has some great rides, parades and the Aladdin stage show is top notch. If you like Disney Studio's you'll love California Adventure. Grizzly Rapids is more fun than Animal Kingdoms version.

The two parks and Downtown Disney are all built close together within walking distance. In fact, you can't really drive from one to the other, there are no roads, just walking with common parking areas for all.

In between Disneyland and San Diego depending on route is Legoland, Scripps Aquarium, beaches, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Temecula wine country and more.

To the north of Disneyland is Universal Studios, about a 40 minute drive depending on traffic. Another 20 minutes is Six Flags Magic Mountain. 5 miles from Disneyland is Knotts Berry Farm amusement park. Even if you do not go to the amusement park, try the Knotts restaurant located outside the park. Excellent for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are famous for their chicken.

 

[skiingfast]

In between Disneyland and San Diego depending on route is Legoland, Scripps Aquarium, beaches, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Temecula wine country and more.

ahill004:
If you don't have kids 10 and under skip Legoland. It's not exciting like a disney park and not varied enough for all ages. Teens won't have fun.

If you can get to the SD zoo (near downtown SD)and the Wild animal park(in the sticks) you will know exactly where the inspiration for AK came from.

 

[jimreuter]

While it does get hot in SoCal during the summer months, it is dry hot. Biggest problem is reminding yourself to drink lots of water, because you don't realize how much you are sweating - it evaporates instantly.

In contrast, I've been in Orlando when it was 90+ degrees and raining, and I've always avoided mid-summer there so I'm sure it gets worse. Your body can't cope with the combnation of humidity and heat.

 

[HydroGuy]

While it does get hot in SoCal during the summer months, it is dry hot. Biggest problem is reminding yourself to drink lots of water, because you don't realize how much you are sweating - it evaporates instantly.

In contrast, I've been in Orlando when it was 90+ degrees and raining, and I've always avoided mid-summer there so I'm sure it gets worse. Your body can't cope with the combnation of humidity and heat.

Summers if Florida are really, really tough. I agree. Our WDW trips have always been early enough to avoid the worst, but I have been to Florida in summer on other occasions and it is tough.

SoCal is just way more tolerable in the summer. See "Comparison of Weather For WDW and DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1711098

 

[LavenderPeach]

ahill004:
If you don't have kids 10 and under skip Legoland. It's not exciting like a disney park and not varied enough for all ages. Teens won't have fun.

And I want to add that imo, LL also isn't the best park if you only have really little ones too. There seemed to be a lot more rides with height requirments than at DL. DS, who was 3 when we went (and a little on the short side), wasn't tall enough to ride on a lot of things. LL is best for elementary school age kids i think.

I prefer DLR when it's a little on the cool side (the sun zaps my energy) but i go often in the summer and it's really not bad. Like PP said, it's a "dry heat" so it's SO much better than the humidity they have in Florida. Last year we went the week after 4th of july weekend and the weather was great and the crowds weren't bad at all.

 

[ktlm]

I've been going to Disneyland for over 25 years now and I have some very definate ideas on what works and what doesn't.

1st- avoid Dland during the summer months. No exceptions! You will be miserable, I guarantee it.

The crowds and lines are crazy and the heat is awful. Dland was built on a smaller scale then WDW and the pathways just getting to and from each land becomes a major hassle. And forget about actually going from point A to point B during a parade or Fantasmic especially if you have someone in a stroller or wheelchair. No one cares or moves out of your way. It's like a herd of cattle with no one moving! Trust me!

As a WDW vet who spent a weekend day at DL/CA in July a couple of years ago, I have to disagree with this one. Our last 3 WDW trips have been in May (1 trip) and December (2 trips), and the July day at DL was actually cooler than 2 out of those 3 trips. In fact, when we were at DL we heard people complaining it was hot and we were laughing because it felt great to us. We didn't think it was hot at all. September is still pretty hot at WDW, so I don't think it is going to be any worse than what you are used to, and probably will actually be cooler. I think "hot" to a person from Washington state like the PP, is completely different than "hot" to someone from the south, or in our case the southern midwest. Also, we thought the crowds were manageable. I've definitely seen much worse in June at WDW. Now, in the evening when it was getting close to Fantasmic and firewords, crowds did start pouring into DL and it did get really crowded. I can't remember, but CA may have closed which led to everyone over there pouring into DL.

The parks are definitely worth going to. We loved them!

 

[rszdtrvl]

I agree with the Lego Land statements.

My son is 13 and LOVES Legos!! Lego Land was what he wanted to do during our Spring Break trip.

He was bored. The lines were okay, but he just felt too old in the park. His favorite part of everything was going into the family game room and playing Lego Rock Band. We could have stayed there for hours!

The rides there were just ok. Nothing super major.

I recommend Universal Studios over Lego Land. We had a BLAST there - even more fun than (dare I say??) Disneyland.

 

[HydroGuy]

As a WDW vet who spent a weekend day at DL/CA in July a couple of years ago, I have to disagree with this one. Our last 3 WDW trips have been in May and December, and the July day at DL was actually cooler than 2 out of those 3 trips. In fact, when we were at DL we heard people complaining it was hot and we were laughing because it felt great to us. We didn't think it was hot at all. September is still pretty hot at WDW, so I don't think it is going to be any worse than what you are used to, and probably will actually be cooler. I think "hot" to a person from Washington state like the PP, is completely different than "hot" to someone from the south, or in our case the southern midwest. Also, we thought the crowds were manageable. I've definitely seen much worse in June at WDW. Now, in the evening when it was getting close to Fantasmic and firewords, crowds did start pouring into DL and it did get really crowded. I can't remember, but CA may have closed which led to everyone over there pouring into DL.

The parks are definitely worth going to. We loved them!

I posted this in another thread with a similar question:

I am glad there are people who feel this way. It is what makes the world go round.

If everyone liked summer visits as much as I do then it would be way more crowded. Summer is my favorite time to go to DLR. I think the temperatures are perfect. I rarely see cranky, rude people. I know they are there. But when they are at their crankiest I am in a swimming pool or taking a nap in an air conditioned room. Taking breaks for 4-5 hours mid-day makes summer visits very enjoyable IMO.

Regarding summer temperatures, some people are more sensitive to heat than others. I get that. But it does not bother me that much.

From "Detailed Weather Data for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

June Avg Hi/Lo 80/61 F, 27/16 C
July Avg Hi/Lo 85/64 F, 30/18 C
Aug Avg Hi/Lo 87/64 F, 31/18 C

Personally these temperatures sound ideal to me. Mornings are usually low to mid-60's, mid-day in the low to mid-80's.

I know some people say it is hotter inside DLR than outside. I have never bought that. All of Anaheim is paved. Anyways, DLR just does not seem that warm to me. But, like I said, that is probably because we leave each day at 1PM for 4-5 hours and rest.

See "Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

 

[ahill004]

This is really good information! Thank you so much guys! I think we will skip Legoland (DH was already feeling a little theme park overload so he would love to skip it).

Does CA typically close earlier in the evening than DL? I wa thinking we could switch to CA in the evenings if the crowds were getting heavy at DL?

I am assuming this World of Color show could dramatically change crowd levels at both parks?

Also, has anyone done Sea World in both San Diego and Orlando? We loved it in Orlando but the one in SD doesn't seem to have as much for the little ones?

 

[HydroGuy]

This is really good information! Thank you so much guys! I think we will skip Legoland (DH was already feeling a little theme park overload so he would love to skip it).

Does CA typically close earlier in the evening than DL? I wa thinking we could switch to CA in the evenings if the crowds were getting heavy at DL?

I am assuming this World of Color show could dramatically change crowd levels at both parks?

Also, has anyone done Sea World in both San Diego and Orlando? We loved it in Orlando but the one in SD doesn't seem to have as much for the little ones?

DL usually stays open later than DCA. How much so depends on time of year. In summer DL stays open til midnight. DCA until 9PM or 10PM. This summer DCA hours may change because of WoC. In the past most folks who are at DCA at night hop to DL, not the opposite. But with WoC coming I think we are going to see a new trend. DL people hopping to DCA in the evening.

Yes WoC can and will dramatically change crowd levels and crowd patterns throughout the day. In the past it has always been easy to hop to DCA in the evening. Hardly anyone in line. That will change.

See World of Color Superthread

 

[blackjackdelta]

DL usually stays open later than DCA. How much so depends on time of year. In summer DL stays open til midnight. DCA until 9PM or 10PM. This summer DCA hours may change because of WoC. In the past most folks who are at DCA at night hop to DL, not the opposite. But with WoC coming I think we are going to see a new trend. DL people hopping to DCA in the evening.

Yes WoC can and will dramatically change crowd levels and crowd patterns throughout the day. In the past it has always been easy to hop to DCA in the evening. Hardly anyone in line. That will change.

See World of Color Superthread

Can you imagine what the GCH to DCA entrance will be like????

Jack

 

[ahill004]

oh no! And we are planning on staying at the GCH!!!! We are going in mid July so I believe that will blackout AP holders. Did I read that they can still attend WOC though? I thought there was something specific for them.

I'm ok with hopping back over to DL if DCA is busy. We are more interested in the rides and characters because our girls are so little. (Although it would be cool to catch the WOC show one night).

Are the park generally less busy in the evenings? If we did dinner at GCH and then went back out to the parks would that be a good idea to avoid some of the afternoon crowds?

 

[HydroGuy]

oh no! And we are planning on staying at the GCH!!!! We are going in mid July so I believe that will blackout AP holders. Did I read that they can still attend WOC though? I thought there was something specific for them.

I'm ok with hopping back over to DL if DCA is busy. We are more interested in the rides and characters because our girls are so little. (Although it would be cool to catch the WOC show one night).

Are the park generally less busy in the evenings? If we did dinner at GCH and then went back out to the parks would that be a good idea to avoid some of the afternoon crowds?

No, AP holders will not have special WoC access. Are you getting that confused with DVC owners? The Aps that are blocked out cannot come on blockout days unless they pay extra - and most don't.

In general the parks are less busy in the evenings. But World of Color will keep people in the parks longer than normal. Especially DCA.